Experimental observations of aquifer storage and recovery in brackish aquifers using multiple partially penetrating wells

Abstract Aquifer storage and recovery systems using multiple partially penetrating wells (MPPW-ASR) can form a viable solution to the problem of freshwater buoyancy when brackish aquifers for storage. This study presents result series laboratory experiments that aimed at visualizing shape bodies injected into aquifer determining effect on efficiency (RE) several MPPW-ASR operational variables. A model was built in Plexiglas tank glass beads water abstracted through point vertical wells, which were operated various combinations. Numerical models used support interpretation time-lapse photographs, showed three-dimensional flow effects had be considered correct visible dye patterns. Upward migration both fresh (during injection) recovery) along observed, indicating role well infrastructure as conduits is critical design criterion real-world systems. Gravitational instabilities formed did not extend all way top aquifer, this negatively impacted RE by causing greater mixing. The positive led became narrower with depth, formation thin, elongated buffer zones multicycle experiments. Up-coning below abstraction resulted lower values, reinforcing potential scavenger enhance system performance.